New toolkit aims to reduce equine impact

Derby College Group is backing an initiative, which aims to help the equine industry understand its environmental impact – and take steps to mitigate it.

The college is part of a consortium led by equine environmental sustainability specialists White Griffin and the Farm Carbon Toolkit, which has developed the first nationwide equine carbon calculator.

Not only does the free-to-use calculator help equine businesses and horse owners understand their environmental impact, but it also identifies opportunities for them to minimise their energy costs and maximise their potential to regenerate the countryside.

While carbon footprint tools are prevalent in the agricultural sector and play a pivotal role in government carbon reduction targets, no such tools have been available at scale for equine premises until now.

Jon Collins, assistant principle at Derby College Group, said: “Understanding the busy lives of equine business owners, we knew that we had to develop something that was clear, useful and also provided invaluable insight and comparisons with other equine businesses.

“We are proud to be delivering this with the support of Landex and will be rolling the tool out to all students, organisations and interested individuals who are seeking to make a difference in their day-to-day lives to the environment we all depend on.”